Mathematics and Statistics

$Math and Stat Department Image$

152 Gildemeister Hall
507.457.5370
Mathematics and Statistics website
Nicole Williams, Chairperson

Faculty

Silas Bergen, Associate Professor; BS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Washington; 2014 -
Joyati Debnath, Professor; BSc, MS, Jadavpur University; MS, PhD, Iowa State University of Science and Technology; 1989 -
Brant Deppa, Professor; BS, MS, University of Minnesota-Duluth; PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 1992 -
Jacob Duncan, Assistant Professor; BS, Metropolitan State University (St. Paul); MA, Minnesota State University (Mankato); PhD, Utah State University; 2018 -
Eric Errthum, Professor; BS, University of Iowa; PhD, University of Maryland; 2007 -
Nicholas Gilbertson, Associate Professor; BS, Viterbo University; MST, Portland State University; PhD, Michigan State University; 2016 -
Tisha Hooks, Professor; BS, University of Nebraska-Kearney; MS, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; 2006 -
Todd Iverson, Associate Professor; BS, Mankato State University; MS, PhD, Colorado State University; 2016 -
Jeffrey Johnson, Associate Professor; BA, Ohio Wesleyan University; MS, PhD, Ohio State University-Columbus; 1996 -
April Kerby-Helm, Professor; BS, BA, Alma College; MS, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; 2009 -
Steven Leonhardi, Professor; BA, Concordia College-Moorhead; MA, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1996 -
Christopher Malone, Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS, PhD, Kansas State University; 2002 -
Felino G. Pascual, Professor; BS, Ateneo de Manila (Philippines); MSc, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 1992 -
Barry Peratt, Professor; BS, Moravian College; MS, PhD, University of Delaware; 1996 -
Samuel K. Tsegai, Associate Professor; BS, University of Asmara; MS, University of Twente; PhD, Indiana University; 2012 -
Aaron Wangberg, Professor; BA, Luther College; PhD, Oregon State University; 2007 -
Nicole Williams, Professor; BS, University of Maine at Farmington; MS, PhD, Illinois State University; 2004 -
Lee Windsperger, Professor; BA, St. Louis University; MS, PhD, Louisiana State University; 2012 -
Pingping Zhang, Associate Professor; BA, BS, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (China); MA, PhD, Ohio State University; 2014 -

Purpose

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers major programs in data science, mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics. The department also offers minor programs in data science, mathematics, middle school mathematics teaching, and statistics.

The discipline of data science focuses on transforming data into knowledge. The Data Science (DSCI) - BS Major requires a student to acquire knowledge and expertise in data science through an understanding of analytical and computational techniques, an interdisciplinary emphasis, and a capstone experience.

The Mathematics (MATH) - BS Major provides students with an extended investigation of the techniques, applications, and theories of mathematics. The Mathematics Core requirements expose students to a diverse range of mathematical topics and provide in-depth, rigorous study in selected areas. Students choose from electives which further broaden their understanding of mathematics. Students also complete a series of courses, including an independent project, that supplements their mathematical knowledge or complete another major or minor. The Mathematics major can prepare students for graduate school in mathematics or for employment in industry and government. Other fields that pair especially well with Mathematics include: Math Education, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Economics, Finance.

The Mathematics - Secondary Teaching (MTHT) - BT Major is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching mathematics (grades 5-12). In addition, students in the mathematics education program may choose to complete an additional major or minor program. All these options may offer important advantages regarding employment. The Middle Level Mathematics (Teaching) (MLMA) - Minor is designed for students completing a teaching major and prepares students to teach middle school mathematics (grades 5-8).

The Statistics (STAT) - BS Major provides students with both a solid background in mathematics as well as experience with statistical theories, methods, and statistical software. Because statistics is applicable in a wide variety of fields, a BS minor or adding a second major in statistics is a good choice for students majoring in fields such as the biological and earth sciences, business, economics, sociology, and psychology.

Careers in the Mathematical Sciences

Graduates in the mathematical sciences have opportunities in education, industry, governmental agencies and post-graduate studies. The rigor and discipline required to excel in mathematics develop the reasoning abilities and broad problem-solving skills that are in constant demand.

With a degree in the mathematical sciences, opportunities exist for careers in insurance companies, technology-based industries, other nontechnical businesses, government agencies, the armed services, and for entry into professional schools of law, medicine, and management. Graduates who complete a double major including mathematics find themselves in significantly greater demand than if they had completed either major singly. The Mathematics BS major specifically addresses this employment trend. With the addition of a BS mathematics major/minor to a major or minor in another field, students will be qualified for graduate studies in a number of fields, including mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, mathematics education, educational psychology, and business.

Current job placement for students with a BT Mathematics Secondary Teaching major remains strong and projections indicate the need for mathematics educators will continue for the next decade. In addition, there is a growing demand for individuals with post-graduate degrees in mathematics education throughout academia.

The job market for students who earn a BS Statistics or BS Data Science major is very solid. Statistician/data scientist is among the top-10 fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between 2018-2028, BLS projects jobs in these fields to increase by 31%. The median wage for professionals in these fields was $107,030 in 2018. Opportunities for professional employment exist in industry, medical research, government agencies, and several areas of business for both degrees.

Honors in Mathematics

A departmental honors program is available to qualified majors in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Students who complete the requirements below will graduate with departmental honors in Mathematics.

Requirements for the honors program in Mathematics:

Complete the following courses with a grade of B or better:
- ◎ MATH 447 - Abstract Algebra I
- △ MATH 452 - Advanced Calculus I
Graduate with a Departmental GPA of at least 3.5 and a WSU GPA of at least 3.0
Complete an Independent Project in Mathematics (MATH 490 ) with at least two of the following disseminations: paper, poster, and/or presentation

Credit by Examination Courses

A student may receive credit by examination for MATH 212 - Calculus I and MATH 213 - Calculus II . A student is allowed only one attempt per course. A B grade or higher is required on the examination to receive credit.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students can receive credit for MATH 212 - Calculus I , MATH 213 - Calculus II and STAT 110 - Fundamentals of Statistics or STAT 210 - Statistics for high school courses taken through the Advanced Placement Program. Consult with the department chairperson for specific test score requirements.

Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses

The pass/no credit option is available to non-majors unless otherwise noted. DSCI 488 - Data Science Project , DSCI 492 - Internship in Data Science , STAT 488 - Statistics Projects , and STAT 492 - Practicum in Statistics can be taken for pass/no credit. MATH 050 - Intermediate Algebra must be taken for pass/no credit. Any other course not required nor elected for a major or minor may be taken on a pass/no credit basis. Except for internships and practica, students must take all courses in their major, minor, options, concentrations and licensures on a grade-only basis. Courses offered on a pass/no credit-only or grade-only basis are so designated in the course descriptions.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for courses in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics must be met with a C grade or better or by instructor permission.

Transfer Credit

No credit will be given for a grade below a C for mathematics, mathematics education, or statistics courses taken at other institutions.

General Education Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program (GEP) and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The following are offered as GEP intensive courses in the Math and Statistics Department:

Math Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

Data Science/Statistics Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science - Teaching

Mathematics - Secondary Teaching (MTHT) - BT Major

Minor